Preparing your Application

Your academic statement is written declaration that explains how your interests, coursework, and research experiences led you to become invested in pursuing graduate training and describes how your experiences and interests fit the program.

Traditionally 1400-1600 words

Focuses on intellectual and research-based aspects of your development

Discuss how this program will contribute to your future professional goals, even if you're not sure what you want to do (e.g., academia, industry, etc.). Think in terms of pressing questions you want to answer, and why you're interested in those particular questions. Try to include:

Any resources and/or opportunities that make the program an unique place for you.

The names (2-3) of faculty whose research interests you and could be potential mentors!

Share your process

Describing your intellectual development in action, beginning from what sparked your interest in the field all the way up to your decision to pursue graduate studies, can be a powerful way to tell your story. A simple interest leads to action. This action leads to involvement. Involvement creates experience. Experience develops further interests and goals which then propels further action.

Show that you're excited about your area, but avoid using the following types of language:

Sentimental - e.g., The theories I was exposed to in my philosophy class affected the pit of my soul, profoundly altering how I understood people, cultures, and the world

Grandiose - e.g., I will give it my all in order to find the cure for cancer

Surface level - e.g., We need to solve this health problem right away before it's too late

These styles come off as superficial and can make it difficult for reviewers to take your statement seriously. And if you include personal information in your academic statement, make sure it relates to some concrete aspect of your intellectual development.

Revise, revise, revise

Writing takes time and patience. Multiple revisions allow you to refine and improve the statement's overall impact.

The personal statement (~500 words) gives you a place to discuss your personal history in some depth, especially as it relates to your academic development. Some programs will ask that you write about specific topics; be sure to make the necessary adjustments to your personal statement if need be.

One of the most important parts of the application, Letters of Recommendation can make or break you. They give the admissions committee a chance to learn more about your qualities and limitations from those with whom you've worked.

Stand out from the crowd

Ask the faculty who know you best and who can comment positively on the quality of your work.

Letters from senior faculty in your prospective discipline carry more weight than those of faculty outside your field, but don't ask a professor who doesn't know you just because he or she works in your area/discipline of interest.

If you've worked with faculty in another area for a long time and this person can attest on your qualities and accomplishments then ask him/her for a letter.

Don't be afraid to ask for a "strong recommendation letter"

Meet with the recommenders who are writing the letters, so they are clear in your interests

Prepare a "Recommender's package" with a copy of your statements, C.V. or resume, & transcript and a list of all the schools for which they will be submitting letters including;

URL's

Emails

Name of the program/department

Deadline

Give them 6-8 weeks

Although letters from faculty can carry more weight, it is OK to ask non-academic supervisors or mentors for recommendations. The important thing is that they can speak about the qualities and abilities that make you a great candidate for graduate school.

To waive or not to waive

Some recommenders only provide letters of recommendation if you waive your right to access the letters. Consult in advance with your recommenders about their preference.

Your resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) should include relevant academic and professional experience, research projects and publications and highlight any information that was not included in the other parts of the application.

First, check to see which one your application requires!

A resume is usually one page

C.V.s can be more than one page but should have the most relevant or important information on the first page

C.V. formats vary; use online resources to create and edit.

GPA is usually not included in the CV; however, academic honors are. If you graduate with honors, mention it under Education or in the Honors and Awards section.

Education

Include only institutions where you have received degrees (Bachelor's and beyond).